Is it ADHD or Could it be Something Else?
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly classified as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder that impacts your executive functioning abilities. It is estimated that around 5% of American Adults are diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. The diagnosis rate for adults has almost doubled in the last decade and continues to climb!Symptoms often include, but are not limited to: Inattention to details, Forgetfulness, Impulsiveness, Feeling Restless, Easily Distracted. Typical treatment is a stimulant medication and occasional talk therapy.
Your ADHD Diagnosis may be a Symptom of Unresolved Trauma!!
That's right! The pressure of Capitalism and emphasis on productivity in this country makes the idea of taking a pill to increase your focus intoxicating. It is important to explore what may be going on underneath the surface, though.
The Brain and Trauma
When a person has unresolved trauma, their brain is easily triggered into a Fight/Flight/Freeze Response. When this happens, your brain is designed to focus solely on survival and temporarily turns off your Prefrontal Cortex. The Prefrontal Cortex is where your executive functioning is housed. If my Prefrontal Cortex is perpetually switching off and on, how am I supposed to...Pay attention in that meeting, Meet that work deadline, Tackle my flooded email box, Show up to events on time
What Can I do About these Symptoms?
If you think you have ADD/ADHD and don't want to jump to the typical medication treatment route, consider trying trauma-informed therapy. These can include such treatments as EMDR, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and many others. At Juniper Therapeutic Services we use these methods and more to get to the root of the problem. We work with you to explore your traumas, your subsequent triggers, and teach you how to regulate your nervous system so that you are not in that Fight/Flight/Freeze mode as often. Once your nervous system is regulated, you have better access to your executive functioning skills.
It is important to note, that ADHD/ADD is a real diagnosis that can affect many. Please talk to a trusted healthcare provider to get more information for yourself.
